Giffords’ advertises itself as a magical, village green touring circus. We went with our two kids age 9 and 7. Read on to find out what we thought in our review of Gifford’s Circus – spoiler alert; it’s awesome and we loved it!

Gifford’s Circus Review 2026

Where

Gifford’s is based in Stroud, the heart of the Cotswolds, and tours the local area and beyond every summer. We chose Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe for our visit – and it was so beautiful! The weather definately helped, it was a gorgeous blue sky sunny day. The big top and all the circus wagons are in the traditional style and it just looked incredibly nostalgic and quaint in the middle of the coutryside surrounded by rolling hills and fields.

The other locations such as Minchampton Common and Blenheim Palace are equally picturesque so I’m sure which ever location you choose will be very pretty – and it really does add to the village green, traditional feel.

I would advise arriving early if you want to browse the souvenirs or get a drink/ food, so you have plenty of time to browse and enjoy before getting a good place in the queue – people start lining up for seats well before the big top tent opens as it in non allocated seating. We got there an hour before and found it was the right amount of time.

Food & Drink

The kids wanted ice creams and candy floss, and the grown ups wanted a cider in the sun! We went for the 2:30pm performance and the food and drink wagons were open before and during the show, but shut afterwards. We found the prices to be reasonable and the selection really nice. There were some benches undercover in the sweets tent and some in the open air. There was a merchandise tent (selling special edition Gifford’s Emma Brigdewater mugs amongst other souvenirs). There was a bar, sweets tent, and food such as burger and chips (which we didnt try but looked really good.)

The Show

We didn’t really know what to expect- Gifford’s has a good reputation locally so I was hoping it would be a great show, but also I haven’t been to any circus before as I didnt think clowns, jugglers.etc would be my type of thing and also, would it be a bit creepy and tacky?! The answer was NO! Certainly not Gifford’s anyway. The show was a total joy and just the type of unique and special experience I was looking for to share with our children.

Clowning Around

The slapstick style ‘clown’ comedy and ringmaster genuinely made me laugh and the live band, dancing and singers brought so much joy and fun – it was small and intimate and felt like a big party at some points, especially the grand finale. The kids were absolutley overjoyed and we spent the whole weekend talking about it.

Amazing Acrobatics

Acrobatic groups, aerial performers, jugglers and knife throwers made up the main performances- they were so good – such skilled performers and such a close up, great view from anywhere in the tent! It was beautiful, thrilling and skillful – all of our jaws’ were on the floor and hands covering our eyes at some parts! The kids were honestly amazed. A real treat.

Sets and Themeing

I loved the traditional theming of the whole thing – from the crimson wagons, to the imposing big top with wooden benches and velvet cushions inside, the costumes of the circus staff and performers – everything is so beautifully done. This years theme is the English Countryside, and the show is called ‘Waterfeild’. Inside the tent was a willow tree, lily pad set and riverside scene where the band were. The costumes of the performance were animal based with a fox, weasel, rabbit, swan, newt and insect costumes for the perfomers. The costumes, sets, everything added to the magical feel of the show. Previous years have seen a retro American theme and medival themes – I definately will be going again next year and look forward to see what the new theme for the next show will be.

Animals

They do use animals in Gifford’s Circus -its not something I am keen on if I’m totally honest. UK law means that only domestic animals are allowed in the show (we saw a horse, a pony and a goose). I was dubious about the animal section and worried if it would be sad and that it would ruin it for me and the kids.

I needn’t have been worried as the animals are clearly very well cared for, and they werent on for long, and the animals ‘performance’ was done nicely – short and not made to do lots of tricks etc. The horses walked around the ring and the pony went under the shire horses legs, and the goose walked around the ring and then left. However, if I’m honest I’m not really sure of the point of including them, just to see them walk about and I was worried about the noise from the band and the applause affecting the animals which took me out of enjoying the moment for a bit. It’s no different to watching a horse race or pony ride I suppose, but I found it, perhaps, a bit unnessesary? I feel the human acts were more than enough – I do acknowlegde the nod to the past traditions of animals in the circus and the bond and husbandry involved, but I personally would prefer it without. That is the only questionable thing I have to say on the whole event though, and I would still love to book again for next year so it hasnt put me off returning.

The Cost

We paid £126 for 2 adults and 2 children – before we went I thought it was a tad pricey for a trip to the circus, but actually now we have experienced it I think it is very well priced for such a quality show and well worth the ticket price.

Summary

A unique fun filled afternoon or evening that is perfect for the family – we were on such a high after the performance, buzzing, they totally brought the joy and laughter big time. The acts were awesome. I only took two photos during the entire performace as I felt so memerised and part of the moment – something that can be a bit of a rarity these days. It really did feel like stepping in to a childhood storybook for a while – a beautiful circus experience, really well done. We cant wait to go again next year!

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